Bikers are legally required to have motorcycle insurance, whether it a new or old motorcycle. Motorcycles have a higher rate of accidents per unit distance than cars.

The issue that bike drivers are exposed does not help these figures or the fact that so many drivers on the road do not take the correct precautionary measures to bikes and cycles in traffic.

Motorcycle premiums have increased by 16% since the beginning of 2008. This figure is likely to continue as the courts are increasingly awarding victims, hence the NHS needs to spend money on treating accident victims.

In 2006, around 4,935 people were killed riding motorcycles of different kinds. For example, 4,778 people were killed on motorcycles, 49 moped drivers were killed and 11 three wheeled motorcyclists were killed.

A motorcycle accident study analysed information from thousands of accidents and drew conclusions from the causes, and searched for ways to prevent accidents.

Their findings consisted of: Approximately three-fourths of these motorcycle accidents involved collisions with another vehicle, which was most usually a passenger automobile.

60% of motorcyclists were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident.  Of this group, 53% did not wear them, due to the theory of an accident was unlikely to happen.

Less than 10% of the motorcycle riders involved in these accidents had insurance of any kind to provide medical care or replace property.

However, motorcycle accidents are decreasing.  A road safety initiative run by the police in Sussex has seen the numbers of deaths reported on the highways drop by half.

A 50% decrease was recorded by officials over the course of December 2007, with six fatalities occurring. As a result, bike insurance companies may now choose to act and cut the cost of policies for customers.

This is because they could perceive the region to be safer than 12 months ago, hence reducing the need for expensive bills. Therefore, there is no better time to get bike insurance.

There are many different types of insurance. Breakdown cover, protects you from any costs incurred should a driver breakdown on a journey.

There is comprehensive insurance. This comes at a premium, but includes cover for damage to a bike, despite who’s fault  the accident was.

Fully-comprehensive insurance should cover for all the liabilities listed for third party cover, plus repairs to the insured vehicle due to an accident.

Loss of personal possessions and also medical expenses within a stated limit are also covered. It is also possible to get excess insurance.

An excess in insurance motorcycle law is a compulsory amount you have to pay towards the total cost of any claim that is made for damage or theft.

Voluntary excess may also be added, in exchange for a reduced premium, however the combined amount will have to be paid.
A No Claim discount is also mentioned a lot in terms of bike insurance.

Most companies will offer a ‘no claim discount’ for every year a driver goes without making a claim, this could save up to 65% on a premium.

A no claims discount can usually be reused for up to 2 years after a policy expires. Usually those who do claim will see their no claim bonuses reduced for the following two years.

These claimants may also see their premiums increase by 50%. Personal accident cover is also something to consider. This could provide up to £10,000 in case an injury occurred.

When choosing insurance, it is important to seek the advice of a specialist provider. This is a specialist in motorcycle insurance law.

They thoroughly understand motorcycling and the insurance risks involved. Hence, they will guide you fully on all the elements.